Study findings demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile for QLS-101, including no evidence of hyperemia, as well as a positive efficacy signal in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, according to manufacturer Qlaris Bio. The novel adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel modulator is an eye drop that targets distal outflow resistance and episcleral venous pressure. Data support the ongoing clinical development of QLS-101, the company stated, and it plans to initiate several new studies to further assess the agent’s potential role. Additional clinical trials will investigate QLS-101 in conjunction with current treatments like prostaglandin analogs and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, and as a treatment for juvenile patients with Sturge-Weber syndrome-related glaucoma.

“As a clinician, I often see glaucoma patients whose vision loss continues to progress even when treated with current therapeutic options that target different components of IOP than [episcleral venous pressure],” said Barbara Wirostko, MD, FARVO, chief medical officer and cofounder of Qlaris. “QLS-101 may provide a first-in-class mechanism of action to lower IOP by focusing on resistance distal to the trabecular meshwork of the eye that is not yet fully addressed by available therapies. We look forward to initiating additional studies pursuing these new solutions.”